NFLPA President Eric Winston Says Suspensions Have Impacted Competitive Balance

NFL Players Association President Eric Winston thinks the suspensions dished out by Commissioner Roger Goodell impact the entire league rather than just the individual players and their teams.

Winston spoke about the effects Wednesday on SiriusXM NFL Radio:

"

I think the one thing that has been lost in this conversation is how much it's affected competitive balance throughout the league. The NFL is always so big on competitive balance, but you see these random suspensions that have been handed down over the last two, three years; it's definitely affected competitive balance.

"

Sports Illustrated noted Winston's comments came five days after New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady elected not to appeal his four-game suspension that stemmed from Deflategate.

That means the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills will line up against the Patriots in those first four games and not have to worry about Brady. Instead, Jimmy Garoppolo figures to be under center for New England as it faces four teams that could challenge for the playoffs in 2016:

Team	2015 Record	Division Rank
Arizona Cardinals	13-3	First in NFC West
Miami Dolphins	6-10	Fourth in AFC East
Houston Texans	9-7	First in AFC South
Buffalo Bills	8-8	Third in AFC East

Playing the Patriots without Brady—a four-time Super Bowl champion and one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL—is a clear advantage for those four teams.

Brady isn't the only notable player who will miss time because of suspension in 2016. Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain was suspended 10 games, Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams was suspended four games, and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant was suspended for the entire season—all for violations of the league's substance-abuse policy.

What's more, the league suspended Brady's division rival, New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, one game for "violating the league's personal-conduct policy due to a 2015 offseason arrest," per Marc Sessler of NFL.com.

That is plenty of star power that will not line up against various opponents in the 2016 season, which could ultimately impact the postseason standings in December and January. At least it will if Winston's comments are to be believed.